The impact of electricity market design on access to the grid and transmission planning for renewable energy in Australia: can overseas examples provide guidance

The question of who pays for grid augmentation and strategic building of new infrastructure is likely to be central for the successful integration of renewable energy on a large scale in Australia. Other countries, such as Germany, have recognised the public interest component of a high renewable energy percentage. That realisation is reflected not only in the extensive grid access and augmentation provisions, but also in the special norms introduced to make offshore wind a viable option. The lack of environmental objectives in Australian electricity market law makes similar arrangements difficult.